"People still expect hatred between us": Stefanos Tsitsipas puts to bed mooted feud with Daniil Medvedev after practice session
ATP
Stefanos
Tsitsipas puts controversies with Daniil Medvedev behind and opens up about
their rivalry after a joint practice session in Indian Wells. Two of the best
tennis players in recent years have engaged in thrilling matches and various
controversies throughout their careers.
Whenever
Medvedev and Tsitsipas face each other, it adds a special element for fans due
to various controversies that began in their first encounter at the 2018 Miami
Open when both were outside the top 50 at 22 and 19 years old, respectively.
In that
tense match, Tsitsipas called Medvedev a "bullshit Russian" at the
net, and in response, the Russian said, "Man, you better shut your f*ck
up, okay?" Medvedev also complained because his opponent took a long
bathroom break and was bothered that Tsitsipas didn't apologize for hitting the
net cord during a point.
Since the
controversy in Miami, they have verbally clashed several times, but the Greek
player mentioned that it's something left in the past. Now, in Indian Wells,
they were seen practicing together, indicating at least some cordiality between
them.
"It's
a long history, I mean what whatever happened uh how many years ago was that
like 10 years ago (laughing). I guess yeah it was a long time ago. I guess
people still expect some sort of controversy or uh hatred between us two but uh
this has been long gone uh and not something that I focus too much on these
days actually."
Medvedev
– Tsitsipas controversial relationship
In 2019,
both players acknowledged their challenging relationship. "Our chemistry
definitely isn’t the best that you can find on the tour ... It's not that I
hate him [but] we will not go to dinner together," Tsitsipas said.
On the
other hand, Medvedev expressed that they respect each other as tennis players
but not necessarily on a personal level: “I think we respect each other as
players but probably not so much on a personal level ... We don't have any sort
of relationship at all, I would say."
Read also
Throughout
their 13 encounters, both players have had several disagreements, with Medvedev
leading the head-to-head by 9-4. Another memorable moment was during the
semifinal of the 2022 Australian Open, where Medvedev shouted at the umpire
about the coaching from Apostolos Tsitsipas: "His father can talk every
point? Bro, are you stupid? His father can talk every point?! ... Can
his father talk every point?!"
Both
players have delivered strong performances at Indian Wells so far, and are
gearing up for their respective third-round matches. On one hand, the 4th seed
Medvedev will face the local 29th seed Sebastian Korda, while the 12th seed
Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on the American Frances Tiafoe (18th seed).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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